Joe studied martial arts throughout his childhood, starting with karate from the age of 8 to his early teens. “The Artist” was 14 when his father passed away, and money became tight, but he got a paper route so he could keep training, now in taekwondo. His practice essentially ended when he joined the US Armed Forces. Then, 15 years ago, he found the Greenfield-based Team Ravenous MMA, becoming the facilities manager and conditioning coach. A veteran of seven MMA fights, the hardest fight of Joe’s life has been with Crohn’s Disease. He cites positive role models as being essential to his making it through a challenging childhood, and today pays it forward by doing the same for the next generation. After half a dozen surgeries and medical calamities, Joe remains inspirationally positive, strong, and profoundly kind. A freelance videographer working with the top MMA promotions in New England, Joe also has a special focus on combat sports regulation, and has fulfilled multiple roles in this regard. He and his wife have two grown daughters, both of who have earned degrees in graphic design. He still likes Minecraft, Legos, and other games, and is drawn to the game-like aspect of jiu-jitsu and MMA.